How to identify and choose best face mask for COVID 19 Pandemic
How to identify and choose best face mask for COVID 19 Pandemic.
Introduction
As by the title, you all know what we going to talk in this article. But still, here's intro: so, I know it's little bit late to write such kind of article and I mean it's more than 1 year since the pandemic hit the world badly. But now, shops, pharmacy, online sellers are selling different kinds of masks (surgical, cloth, N95, pollution mask, etc. and face shield also. And the weird part is some of these people are listing and selling fake ones in place of originals because of demand in the general public to get the maximum profits at minimum cost.
So, In this article we are going to guide you How to identify and choose best face mask for COVID 19 Pandemic. Like which one (surgical, cloth, N95, etc.) is suitable for which conditions or surroundings.
Important : (must read section)
1. Beware of fake masks (for that read how to identify original masks.)
2. Surf before swipe: always check online the price of the product ( for comparison of price).
3. Online shoppers, buy from genuine sellers.
4. Always buy the masks which have nose pin.
5. Choose the right size mask according to your face. Mask should cover your nose and chin.
Recommended Reads:
Covid 19 is now airborne (according to CDC.) so why wear masks. It's still important to wear a mask and take other necessary steps to protect yourself. Basically the virus hits and affects mostly people having low immunity. And there's a saying that “Prevention is Better than Cure,”. One can follow this by social distancing, sanitizing their hands or washing hands with soaps, and by wearing masks.
Which is the best Covid 19 Mask to Choose?
There are different types of masks that people wear nowadays to protect against the Corona Virus. Let see all the different types of masks:
1. Surgical Mask
A surgical mask is the most common masks and generally used hospitals and laboratories by doctors and lab technicians, etc. They are considered Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), which stops germs, bacteria, and other viruses when we speak and sneeze. These type of masks are made of paper and light plastic and mostly available in blue colour. This the best masks to wear in this pandemic. But there's a limitation that user's can use it only one time. It's like use and throw. So, for some people, it might be on the costlier side.
2. Cloth Mask
Cloth Masks are similar to surgical masks but are made of fabrics usually thicker because it's cloth and sometimes it's thicker because of layers of material used in that masks. And because of the 2 to 6 layers in these cloth masks it act like a shield protecting both the nose and mouth from any droplets when one speaks and sneezes, protects from the virus and other bacteria entering the body. These types of masks are washable and can be worn multiple times by people. But we suggest maximum 40 days (depending upon the layers used). This will be cheaper compared to surgical masks.
3. N95 Mask
N95 Masks are specially designed medical masks for a little harsh conditions (like pandemic). These masks form a tight seal between the air outside and the face and because of this these masks are more effective in preventing the droplets from the person’s nose and mouth while sneezing or talking. And best of that it covers the full face from nose to chin.
4. Face Shield
Face Shield is another PPE essential that is required mostly in hospitals and Labs. However, one can wear it for extra protection as it covers the complete face of the person but with the masks "On" the face. It's used to avoids the direct contact of the other body parts to the eyes and nose. Always wear a mask with these shields.
5. Homemade Masks
When pandemic hit there is a sudden rise in demand of all essentials and mostly masks. So, this is when people started making their own face masks at home with cloth and paper, cotton, etc. These masks are also very cost-effective and can be made easily.
6. Other masks (gas mask, pitta mask, gaiter mask)
Avoid these types of masks not because they don't protect but for some other purpose like gas mask are not commonly available and it's also costlier. Pitta mask is just for dust, pollen grains etc. So it's also not recommended and gaiter mask are somewhat protect but wearing double.So, at last, avoid these.
Now, it's time to choose best mask for yourself. So, How to identify and choose best face mask for COVID 19 Pandemic.? Let's start.
There are few points to remember first before choosing upper mentioned (In this article) masks.
1. Multiple layered masks are most reliable most of the time.
2. Masks should have ear loops.
3. Proper fit according to face (from nose to chin).
4. Easy breathing (most important).
5. Reusable masks :these are very cost friendly and cheaper.
6. N95 are most best possible mask to wear in this pandemic.(widely available, cheaper in price).
7. Masks should have nose pin.
How to Identify fake masks.
These are the some ways to check the N95 masks but anyone can check other masks on the same criteria.
1. Manufacturing address.
This is most important to check and match with original mask manufacturer's address. Sometime masks are made locally and sold like it's original.
2. Approved by regarding Government Agencies
These mask mostly ( surgical and N95 type masks ) should have been approved by Government regarding Agencies.
3. Blow candle test
It's one of the most important one to check whether the masks are real or fake. So for this, wear the Mask and try to blow the candle. If the candle's light move even a little bit. Then it's fake. And if not, then it's original mask.
4. Breathlessness
By wearing a original mask, most of the people feel breathlessness (perfect fit according to the face). If you feel this then it's original.
5. Layers (by touching)
Check the mask quality by touching and match it with the mentioned layered of protection.
This article of topic: Mask is not over, there's still so much to write but it will become very long. Rest will be in another article. So for that. Stay tuned and keep visiting the site at regular intervals.
Image copyright © and courtesy : Pixabay
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